Webber Keeps Kings on Winning Track

Peja Stojakovic scored 31 points and Chris Webber had 26 points, eight assists and six rebounds as the Sacramento Kings defeated the Utah Jazz, 105-90, Sunday at Sacramento in a meeting of division leaders.

Webber, who returned from a sprained ankle six days ago, had eight steals and helped hold Karl Malone to eight shots in 35 minutes. The Kings haven’t lost since he came back.

“There was a lot of frustration out there for both teams, and sometimes that’s motivation,” Webber said.

The Kings won their fourth in a row and ended Utah’s four-game winning streak while creeping within a half-game of the Western Conference lead. The Kings could make a run at the top seed with 10 of their last 16 games at home.

The Kings (42-19) increased their Pacific Division lead to one game over the Portland Trail Blazers and 1 1/2 games over the Lakers, while the Jazz (43-19) dropped into a tie with San Antonio atop the Midwest Division.

Philadelphia 97, Boston 91--Dikembe Mutombo scored 18 points and added 22 rebounds at Boston as the 76ers overcame an injury to Allen Iverson and clinched a spot in the playoffs.

Iverson hurt his left hip diving for a loose ball 1:42 into the first quarter. He stayed in the game, scoring all of his 11 points in the first quarter, but left after picking up his third foul with 6:46 left in the second quarter.

New York 86, Miami 83--Kurt Thomas had 16 points, 14 rebounds and a huge assist on the final basket for the Knicks at New York.

Thomas did not shoot an open 14-footer and passed to Marcus Camby for a short shot from the lane with 26.3 seconds left for an 84-79 lead.

The Knicks, who fell behind by 21 points in the first quarter, pulled within a half-game of the Heat for second place in the Atlantic Division.

Detroit 95, Indiana 78--Jerry Stackhouse scored 30 points and Corliss Williamson added a season-high 26 to lift the Pistons at Auburn Hills, Mich.

Cleveland 124, Milwaukee 110--Andre Miller scored 19 points and had 13 assists at Cleveland to help the Cavaliers end a seven-game losing streak.

Phoenix 94, Houston 92--Tom Gugliotta made an 18-footer with 1.3 seconds left as the Suns rallied from a 16-point third-quarter deficit to win at home.

Toronto 101, Vancouver 84--Vince Carter scored 25 points for the Raptors at Vancouver, Canada.

Around the League

Milwaukee Coach George Karl said he’s in no hurry to sign the reported two-year, $14-million extension that also includes 1% ownership in the club, a deal estimated at $125 million in value. “It’s a great offer,” Karl said. “But the most important thing is to win basketball games, not to sign a contract. Next week I’ll take look at it.”. . . . Boston activated forward Jerome Moiso from the injured list and put guard Chris Carr on the injured list because of a broken left thumb. . . . Philadelphia center Matt Geiger sat out his third consecutive game because of swelling in his right knee. . . . Vancouver’s Grant Long did not play against Toronto because of an ankle injury sustained Friday against Portland. Vancouver was also without center Bryant Reeves (rotator cuff), who sat out his third consecutive game. . . . New York forward Larry Johnson sat out a third consecutive game because of a sore back. It is uncertain when he will return. . . . Houston played without Hakeem Olajuwon for the third consecutive game because of a left calf strain.